Former Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, speaks during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, is the grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event.

Greenwich resident, Linda McMahon, right, receives a hug from State Representative, Livvy Floren, R-149th District, during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

Ed Dadakis, a Greenwich resident, was honored during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. Dadakis received the Fenton Pat Futtner Award from the Connecticut Republican Party which also bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

Former Connecticut State Senator, Bill Nickerson, a Greenwich resident, during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

Former Connecticut State Senator, Bill Nickerson, a Greenwich resident, during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The ... more

Former Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, speaks during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, is the grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event.

Former Ambassador to El Salvador, Charles Glazer, a Greenwich resident, during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

Former Ambassador to El Salvador, Charles Glazer, a Greenwich resident, during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The ... more

Linda McMahon, left, speaks with Ed Dadakis, both Greenwich residents, who were honored during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. Dadakis received the Fenton Pat Futtner Award from the Connecticut Republican Party which also bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

Linda McMahon, left, speaks with Ed Dadakis, both Greenwich residents, who were honored during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, ... more

Leora Levy of Greenwich during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

Leora Levy of Greenwich during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate ... more

At left, former Republican candidate for Governor of Connecticut, Tom Foley, a Greenwich resident, during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

At left, former Republican candidate for Governor of Connecticut, Tom Foley, a Greenwich resident, during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, ... more

Former Republican candidate for Governor of Connecticut, Tom Foley, a Greenwich resident, during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

Former Republican candidate for Governor of Connecticut, Tom Foley, a Greenwich resident, during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, ... more

At right, Christopher Shays, a former U.S. Representative for the State of Connecticut, during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

At right, Christopher Shays, a former U.S. Representative for the State of Connecticut, during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, ... more

Linda McMahon, lower right, during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

Linda McMahon during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

Linda McMahon during the 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event.

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

The 36th annual Prescott Bush Awards Dinner at the Stamford Hilton, Stamford, Conn., Thursday night, April 10, 2014. The Connecticut Republican Party bestowed two-time U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon with its highest honor. The former wrestling executive was chosen as this year's recipient of the Prescott Bush Award, named in honor of the late Prescott Bush Sr. of Greenwich, Conn., a former U.S. Senator and father of former President George H. W. Bush. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, grandson of Prescott Bush, was the keynote speaker at the event. less

STAMFORD -- They did not dare speak the name of the elephant in the room: John G. Rowland.

Not with Jeb Bush -- testing the waters for a presidential run in 2016 -- front and center on the dais at the Prescott Bush Awards Dinner.

Trying not to let Rowland's indictment upstage their party's marquee fundraiser, which is named after Bush's late grandfather, nearly 800 Republicans gave the former Florida governor a hero's welcome Thursday night at the Hilton Stamford Hotel.

Bush, 61, the son of former President George H.W. Bush and brother of former President George W. Bush, gave GOP donors perhaps a rough draft of a 2016 stump speech filled with applause lines critical of President Barack Obama.

"The new normal means that we have to lower our sights, lower our expectations," Bush said. "What we ought to do is say that we're young and energetic and emerging as a nation again. To me, the great challenge is that economic and social mobility has stalled out."

Not until Obama "leaves the stage," Bush said, will the nation be able to fix its broken entitlement programs and languishing immigration reform.

"We must repeal Obamacare," said Bush, who was interrupted by applause.

Bush called for the Affordable Care Act to be replaced by a consumer-

directed health care model.

"It's also important for us to now be for things," Bush said of Republicans.

Republicans haven't won a statewide election in Connecticut since 2006.

The selection of Bush to be event's keynote speaker presented somewhat of an ironic juxtaposition for the party's far right.

Bush is a staunch defender of the Common Core curriculum and a moderate on immigration, a departure from some factions of the GOP.

Introducing Bush was his cousin, Debbie Walker Stapleton, a longtime Greenwich resident who is married to Craig Stapleton, the former U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic and then France under President George W. Bush.

Named after Prescott Bush, a former U.S. senator from Greenwich, the state GOP's highest honor went to foiled Senate candidate Linda McMahon.

Unable to win in 2010 and 2012 -- the most expensive races this state has ever seen -- the wrestling matriarch said Democrats won't have Obama's coattails to run on in the midterm elections.

"Democrats are counting on Republicans to remain divided," said McMahon, the former CEO of WWE. "Let's rebrand Republicans as the party that gets things done."